4-Port HDMI Extender

Black Box distributes HD contents loss-free via CATx cables

Perfect image quality and 7.1 surround sound for 4 HD screens

Hallbergmoos, April 11, 2012 – With the new MediaCento HX from Black Box, the IT and communications specialist, the audio and video content of a HD source can be distributed loss-free to multiple screens via simple CATx cables and over distances of up to 500 meters. It is thus possible to make use of already installed copper cables and locate displays flexibly where they attract most attention. Besides the full HD image at 36-bit color depth, the HDMI signal includes 7.1-channel surround sound – both transmitted absolutely synchronous and without noticeable delay to all four receivers. The system is therefore ideal for digital signage installations in stores, public buildings, or hotel lobbies.

The MediaCento system consists of a 4-port transmitter and two different types of receivers. The standard receiver routes the HD signal loss-free to a display connected up to 40 meters away. Consequently, a 1x4 installation requires 4 of these receivers. A cascadable receiver on the other hand allows to connect a display and at the same time extend the HDMI signal via CATx cables to another screen, where either a standard or an additional cascadable receiver for even larger installations can be connected. In addition, the cascadable receiver also serves as a repeater: the maximum distance of 40 (1080p) or 60 meters (720p) can be multiplied to up to 500 meters with interposed receivers. Moreover, it is possible to position the source up to 20 meters away from the transmitter and thus extend the range even further.

“Our new extender system provides pure, loss-free, and uncompressed transmissions of 7.1 signals in excellent quality, and all that over low-cost and usually already available CATx cables,“ says Axel Bürger, Managing Director of Black Box Deutschland GmbH. With HDCP supported, it is also possible to distribute contents from Blu-ray players without problems. “The MediaCento HX offers a budget-friendly way to locate displays where they have their maximum impact. The flexible system is thus ideal for digital signage installations, but can equally be used in the education or the broadcasting sector.“

About Black Box:

Black Box (NASDAQ: BBOX) is one of the world’s largest technical services company with focus on design, installation and maintenance of network infrastructure systems. From data communication and telecommunication services to on-site network installations, the company supports more than 175,000 clients in 141 countries with 194 regional offices. With “Free Tech Support“ for free and competent technical advice over the phone, free test scenarios, as well as installation and maintenance services, Black Box offers an exceptional service program. The Black Box main catalogue is well-known in the industry and comprises an extensive product portfolio of approx. 10,000 IT products such as network components, as well as solutions for infrastructures and applications.

The headquarters of Black Box Corporation is in Pittsburgh, USA. Worldwide, the company has approximately 4500 employees, 65 of which in Germany. Black Box Deutschland GmbH has been active on the German market since 1984. Its regular customers include small and medium-sized businesses, as well as big enterprises of various branches, such as services, industry, telecommunications, health care and public administration, as well as the banking and insurance sector.